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- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 lb (450g) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup vegetable broth To make this dish, start with fresh shrimp. They add great flavor and texture. Gnocchi is the star of the show. You can use store-bought or make your own. Garlic brings a bold taste that you will love. Heavy cream adds richness, while vegetable broth gives depth to the sauce. - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Tomatoes add a nice pop of color and sweetness. Fresh spinach brings a healthy touch and brightens the dish. Olive oil is key for sautéing. Dried basil gives a hint of earthiness, while red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat. - Salt and pepper - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Salt and pepper are essential for flavor. Grated Parmesan cheese makes each bite creamy and savory. Fresh parsley adds a lovely touch and a burst of color. To cook the gnocchi, start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once boiling, gently add the gnocchi. They will sink at first, then float when done. This takes about 2-3 minutes. Watch closely so they don’t overcook. When they float, use a slotted spoon to remove them. Drain in a colander and set aside. For perfect gnocchi texture, look for the ones that are soft and pillowy. If you make them at home, let them rest before cooking. This helps to keep their shape. Store-bought gnocchi works well too, and it saves time. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté it for about one minute. The garlic should smell great, but do not let it brown. After that, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, turning them as needed. They are ready when they turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. To enhance the flavor, make sure to season well. Fresh shrimp often taste better, so choose high-quality ones. In the same skillet, pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Next, add the heavy cream and stir to blend. This creates a rich base for your sauce. Now, it’s time to add the cherry tomatoes and cooked gnocchi. Sprinkle in dried basil for added flavor. Stir everything together and cook for about 3-4 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken slightly. To finish, add the fresh spinach and return the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. The spinach should wilt nicely. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. This creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the shrimp and gnocchi. Remember to serve it hot and enjoy every bite! - Avoiding overcooked shrimp: Cook shrimp just until pink. This takes about 2-3 minutes. If you leave them too long, they get rubbery. Watch them closely while they cook. Remove them from the pan as soon as they change color. - Ensuring creamy consistency: Start with medium heat when you add cream. Stir it well with the broth. Let it thicken slowly for a few minutes. If you want it thicker, let it cook a little longer. Avoid high heat, as this can make it separate. - Pairing with side dishes: A fresh salad goes well with this dish. You can also serve garlic bread on the side. Both add crunch and freshness. - Best wine pairings for the dish: A nice white wine works best. Try a Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc. These wines complement the shrimp and cream nicely. - Essential equipment for preparation: You need a large skillet for cooking. A good pot is needed for boiling the gnocchi. Use a strainer to drain the gnocchi after cooking. - Recommended utensils for ease: A wooden spoon helps stir your dish. Use a sharp knife for chopping garlic and tomatoes. A measuring cup ensures you get the right amounts for your sauce. {{image_2}} You can change up the protein in this dish easily. If you want seafood, try scallops or fish. They both work well with the creamy sauce. For a vegetarian or vegan twist, swap shrimp for mushrooms or tofu. Both add great texture and flavor without meat. Adding herbs and spices can make this dish unique. Try fresh basil or thyme for a fresh taste. You can also add lemon zest for a burst of flavor. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. Seasonal vegetables also help change the dish. Peas, bell peppers, or zucchini can add color and nutrition. Toss these in when you add the spinach. While gnocchi is a star, you can use other pasta types too. Penne or farfalle are great choices. Just make sure to cook them according to the package. You may need to adjust cooking times. If you use smaller pasta, watch it closely to avoid overcooking. This way, you can enjoy a new twist on a classic dish! To keep your creamy garlic shrimp gnocchi fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup. It lasts up to three days in the fridge. If you need to keep it longer, consider freezing. You can reheat your gnocchi in two ways: the microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place it in a bowl. Heat in short bursts and stir often. For stovetop, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. Stir well to combine. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to two months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, follow the stovetop tips to restore its creamy texture. It takes about 25 minutes to make this dish. - Prep time is around 10 minutes. - Cooking time takes about 15 minutes. This quick meal is great for busy nights. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can thaw them in cold water for about 20 minutes. This helps keep the shrimp juicy and tender. To make this dish dairy-free, use alternatives. You can swap heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. For the cheese, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese. These changes keep the flavor but remove dairy. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad. You can also serve it with garlic bread. Roasted veggies make a tasty side too. These options balance the creamy gnocchi perfectly. This blog post covered how to make a delicious creamy garlic shrimp gnocchi. We explored main and additional ingredients, followed by step-by-step cooking instructions. I shared tips for perfect texture and serving suggestions. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers properly. In the end, this dish is flexible and easy to make. Try it out and enjoy every bite. With a few tips and tweaks, you can impress anyone at your dinner table.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Gnocchi

Indulge in a delightful Creamy Garlic Shrimp Gnocchi that’s ready in just 25 minutes! This quick and easy recipe combines tender shrimp, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach, all coated in a rich garlic cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish will impress your family and friends. Click through to explore the step-by-step instructions and make this mouthwatering dish tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 lb (450g) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup vegetable broth

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the gnocchi according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

      Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shrimp turns pink and is cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

        In the same skillet, pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the heavy cream and stir to combine.

          Add the cherry tomatoes, cooked gnocchi, and dried basil to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

            Stir in the fresh spinach and return the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.

              Check for seasoning and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

                Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 servings